More

Tim Thomas Waives No-Trade Clause

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 13: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins tends goal against the Vancouver Canucks during Game Six of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on June 13, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tim Thomas

Tim Thomas (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

BOSTON (CBS) — Tim Thomas won’t be playing for the Bruins next season, but he’s at least giving his team some flexibility heading into the draft.

Thomas waived his no-movement clause, according to Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli. The clause was due to expire on July 1 anyway, but the early waiving allows Chiarelli and the Bruins to trade Thomas’ contract to another team if such an opportunity arises.

But who would trade for a man who said he’s not playing next season? Well, some teams may use Thomas’ $5 million cap hit in order to reach the salary cap floor. Others may at least make an effort to coax Thomas into playing next season.

Thomas, 38, posted a 2.36 goals-against average, .920 save percentage and a 35-19-1 record for the Bruins last season, one year after winning the Vezina Trophy for best goalie during the regular season and the Conn Smythe Trophy for being the playoff MVP for the Stanley Cup champion-Bruins.